"4. Donovan Clingan, C, Trail Blazers
Drafted: No. 7, UConn
Key stats: 6.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game
Clingan leads all rookies in blocks per game and has shown plenty of positive flashes, moving into the Trail Blazers' starting lineup Feb. 12 and adjusting to extended minutes for the first time in his career. He had plenty of success in a platoon situation at UConn, but the next step will be consistently shouldering more playing time in the NBA.
He is already an impactful defensive center and has been consistent on that end, stepping in amid injuries to Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III and proving effective in drop coverage and on the glass. Improving his frame and conditioning might help limit foul trouble and make finishing in the paint easier moving forward.
Clingan looks like a legitimate defensive centerpiece for Portland, particularly if he can stay on the floor for longer stretches."
Full article (Paywall): https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/44601305/2024-2025-nba-rookie-rankings-top-20-players-season-stephon-castle-zaccharie-risacher
2 comments
Can’t wait to see year 4 Wemby vs year 3 Cling Kong.
I feel like our boy is going to become the scariest thing anyone has ever seen when stepping into the paint.
Nightmares will be made.
He has an opportunity to go down in history with some of the greatest defensive players of all time. I’m so excited to watch his career unfold, I was a fan of the pick since draft day and he more than fulfilled my expectations.
Our team has so much young talent, I really think we’re watching something special unfold if we can keep this core together as they reach their peaks.